Mask

ABSTRACT

A mask configured to be attached to the face of a subject includes a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject, an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduce the subject&#39;s expired gas, and a communication section defining a communication channel through which the subject&#39;s expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor. The position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is variable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese Patent Applications No. 2013-212348 filed on Oct. 9, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a mask which is attached to the face of a subject so as to introduce the expired gas of the subject to an expired gas concentration detection sensor.

As an example of such a mask, Patent Document 1 discloses an oxygen mask which includes a wall section, an expired gas introduction section, and a communication section. The wall section defines an internal space of the mask so as to cover at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject. The expired gas introduction section is disposed in the internal space so as to introduce the expired gas of the subject. The communication section defines a communication channel which is supported by the wall section and through which the expired gas of the subject is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor.

[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2011-115543

The shape of the faces to which such a mask is attached is different for each subject. Particularly, the shape of a nose to which the expired gas introduction section is in close proximity is different for each subject. Owing to this difference in facial shapes, the expired gas of the subject is often not surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor.

Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter aims as providing the technique to make sure the introduction of the expired gas of a subject to an expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of the subjects' facial shapes.

SUMMARY

(1) According to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, a mask configured to be attached to the face of a subject includes a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject, an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduce the subject's expired gas, and a communication section that defines a communication channel through which the subject's expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor. The position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is variable.

According to this configuration, the expired gas introduction section is movable to the position where the expired gas of the subject can be surely introduced. Thus, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

(10) According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, a mask configured to be attached to the face of a subject includes a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject, an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduces the subject's expired gas, and a communication section that defines a communication channel through which the subject's expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor. The expired gas introduction section includes a partition part which defines a first opening part opening against the subject's face when the subject wears the mask, and a second opening part opening upwards.

According to this configuration, the expired gas from the mouth can be surely introduced into the communication channel through the first opening part, and the expired gas from the nose can be surely introduced into the communication channel through the second opening part. Particularly, the second opening part opens upwards, so that the expired gas from the nose can be surely introduced into the communication channel therethrough, regardless of the difference in the nasal shapes of subjects. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

(2) The mask of the configuration (1) further includes a bridge part that connects the wall section and the expired gas introduction section, and the bridge part is stretchable.

A portion of the face (particularly, the nose) may often contact the expired gas introduction section depending upon the subjects' facial shapes. In this case, with the bridge part being extended, the expired gas introduction section moves forward in the internal space of the wall section, thereby possibly preventing the generation of an excessive contact pressure against the subject's face. This avoids making the subject uncomfortable, ensuring that the mask is readily maintained at a proper attachment position. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subjects' facial shapes.

(3) In the mask of the configuration (2), the bridge part includes a corrugated part.

According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain a great degree of extension while securing the strength to support the expired gas introduction section. This more securely avoids making the subject uncomfortable, and ensures that a proper disposition of the expired gas introduction section is maintained. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subjects' facial shapes.

(4) In the mask of any one of the configurations (1) to (3), the communication section and the expired gas introduction section are coupled in such a manner as to be relatively movable with respect to each other.

According to this configuration, the initial position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space can be changed depending upon the facial shape of subject to which the mask is attached. For example, the expired gas can be introduced into the position at which the expired gas introduction section cannot contact the subject's nose or into which the expired gas can be more surely introduced. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subjects' facial shapes.

(5) In the mask of any one of the configurations (1) to (4), the expired gas introduction section is supported by the communication section, and the mask further includes an adjusting mechanism that adjusts a supporting position at which the communication section is supported by the wall section.

According to this configuration, the initial position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space can be changed depending upon the facial shape of subject to which the mask is attached. For example, the expired gas can be introduced into the position at which the expired gas introduction section cannot contact the subject's nose or into which the expired gas can be more surely introduced. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subjects' facial shapes.

(6) In the mask of the configuration (5), the adjusting mechanism includes a mechanism that adjusts the supporting position by elastic deformation of the wall section.

According to this configuration, there is no need to provide a complicated structure for enabling the position of the communication section supported by the wall section to be able to be regulated. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of the difference in the subjects' facial shapes, without excessively increasing the cost.

(8) The mask of any one of the configurations (1) to (7) further includes a sensor support that supports an expired gas concentration detection sensor which includes a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device so that light emitted from the light-emitting device passes across a light-passing portion of the communication channel. The sensor support has a vent hole by which the outside of the wall section communicate with the communication channel, and the vent hole is formed on the sensor support so as not to overlap with the light-passing portion of the communication channel in a passing direction of the light-passing portion.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the introduction of external air with ventilation. This prevents the inverse affection of the introduction of external air on the detection of the expired gas concentration in the detection space. Further, it is possible to discharge the expired gas quickly by means of a vent hole. Accordingly, along with the above-mentioned function of regulating the position of the expired gas introduction section, there is provided a function of precisely detecting the concentration of the subject's expired gas.

(9) The mask of the configuration (8) further includes an oxygen-supply section that communicates with the internal space and holds one end of an oxygen-supply tube, and a holding section that detachably holds a signal line connected to the expired gas concentration detection sensor. The oxygen-supply section and the holding section are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sensor support which is interposed between the oxygen-supply section and the holding section.

According to this configuration, the oxygen-supply tube and the signal line can be drawn symmetrically in the left and right sides of the mask, so it is possible to stabilize the posture of the mask with respect to the subject's face. Accordingly, along with the above-mentioned function of regulating the position of the expired gas introduction section, there is provided both the function of precisely detecting the concentration of the subject's expired gas and the function of stably supplying oxygen to the subject.

When combined with the configuration having the bridge part which connects the wall section and the inspired air introduction section, the bridge part scatters oxygen to be introduced into the internal space so as to homogenize the concentration of oxygen in the internal space. Further, oxygen to be injected in the internal space from the oxygen-supply section does not directly contact the subject's face, thereby preventing the skin from becoming dry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mask according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front perspective views of portions of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are rear perspective views of a portion of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a communication section and a sensor to be provided in the mask.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the sensor being mounted on the mask of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms ‘right side’ and ‘left side’ used herein respectively denote the right direction and left direction seen from a subject who wears the mask.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a mask 1 according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter when viewed obliquely from the right front side thereof. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the mask 1 when viewed obliquely from the left rear side thereof. The mask 1 to be attached to the subject's face includes a wall section 2, an expired gas introduction section 3, and a communication section 4.

The wall section 2 is formed into a dome-shaped appearance which is composed of an elastic material. The wall section 2 has the size and shape which cover at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject. An edge part 2 a on the rear side of the wall section 2 contacts the subject's face. The wall section 2 defines an internal space 2 b therein. The wall section 2 has an opening 2 c on the front side thereof. The opening 2 c allows the internal space 2 b and the outside of the wall section to communicate with each other.

The expired gas introduction section 3 is disposed in the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2. The expired gas introduction section 3 is provided with a partition part 3 c which defines first and second opening parts 3 a and 3 b. The first opening part 3 a opens towards the face of the subject who wears the mask 1. The second opening part 3 b opens upwards when the mask is attached to the face of the subject. When the mask 1 is attached, a mouth and a nose of the subject are respectively provided in close proximity to the first and second opening parts 3 a and 3 b.

The expired gas introduction section 3 defines an introduction space 3 d which communicates with the first and second opening parts 3 a and 3 b. The expired gas introduction section 3 introduces the expired gas from the mouth and nose of the subject into the introduction space 3 d through the first and second opening parts 3 a and 3 b. The expired gas introduction section 3 is provided on the front side with a connection part 3 e which defines a communication channel communicating with the introduction space 3 d.

The communication section 4 is supported by the wall section 2. The rear side of the communication section 4 is coupled with the connection part 3 e of the expired gas introduction section 3. The communication section 4 defines a communication channel therein. The communication channel communicates with the introduction space 3 d of the expired gas introduction section 3 via the connection part 3 e. The communication channel introduces the expired gas from the expired gas introduction section 3 into the expired gas concentration detection sensor.

In the mask 1 according to the present embodiment, the expired gas introduction section 3 is disposed in the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2 so as to be repositionable within the internal space 2 b.

According to this configuration, the expired gas introduction section 3 is movable to a place to which the subject's expired gas is surely introduced. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

The expired gas introduction section 3 has the first and second opening parts 3 a and 3 b divided by the partition part 3 c. The first opening part 3 a opens towards the face of the subject who wears the mask 1. The second opening part 3 b opens upwards when the mask is attached to the face of the subject. According to this configuration, the expired gas from the mouth and the nose can be surely introduced into the introduction space 3 d through the first and second opening parts 3 a and 3 b, respectively. Particularly, since the second opening part 3 b opens upwards, the expired gas from the nose is surely introduced into the introduction space 3 d regardless of the difference in subject's nasal shapes. Accordingly, the expired gas is surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

A detailed configuration for variable displacement of the expired gas introduction section 3 in the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2 will now be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mask 1 includes a right bridge part 5 a and a left bridge part 5 b. The right bridge part 5 a connects the right side of the wall section 2 and the right side of the expired gas introduction section 3. The left bridge part 5 b connects the left side of the wall section 2 and the left side of the expired gas introduction section 3. The right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b are respectively stretchable in their longitudinal directions. Specifically, the right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b is each provided with a corrugated part 5 a 1, 5 b 1. The corrugated parts 5 a 1 and 5 b 1 respectively allow the right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b to be flexibly extended in the respective longitudinal directions.

A right end of the right bridge part 5 a has an extension which further extends out of the right side of the wall section 2, and the extension is provided with a through-hole 5 a 2. A left end of the left bridge part 5 b has an extension which further extends out of the left side of the wall section 2, and the extension is provided with a through-hole 5 b 2. The through-holes 5 a 2 and 5 b 2 are elements through which strings pass so that the strings are hung around subject's ears to hold the mask 1 over the subject's face.

A portion of the face (particularly, the nose) may often contact the expired gas introduction section 3 depending upon the subject's facial shapes. In this case, with the right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b being extended, the expired gas introduction section 3 moves forward in the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2, thereby possibly preventing the generation of an excessive contact pressure against the subject's face. This avoids making the subject uncomfortable, ensuring that the mask 1 is readily maintained at a proper attachment position. Accordingly, the expired gas is surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

Particularly, the right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b are respectively provided with corrugated parts 5 a 1 and 5 b 1, enabling the right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b to be stretchable, so that it is possible to obtain a great degree of extension while securing the strength to support the expired gas introduction section 3. This more securely avoids making the subject uncomfortable, and ensures that a proper disposition of the expired gas introduction section 3 is maintained. Accordingly, the expired gas can be surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wall section 2 has right and left support parts 6 and 7 on the front side thereof. The communication section 4 is interposed between the right and left support parts 6 and 7 and is supported by the wall section 2.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an appearance of the mask 1 with the communication section 4 and the right and left support parts 6 and 7 removed. FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing an appearance of the right and left support parts 6 and 7.

A shown in FIG. 3A, an opening 2 c formed on the front side of the wall section 2 has a right slit 2 c 1 extending in the right side and a left slit 2 c 2 extending in the left side. A base end portion of the right slit 2 c 1 is provided on upper and lower sides thereof with right hook protrusions 2 d 1 (the lower side protrusion is only shown in FIG. 3A, and the upper side protrusion is shown in FIG. 2) which extend rearwards. A base end portion of the left slit 2 c 2 is provided on upper and lower sides thereof with left hook protrusions 2 d 2 (the lower side protrusion is only shown in FIG. 3A) which extend rearwards.

The expired gas introduction section 3 is provided on the front side with a connection part 3 e which extends forwards. A circumferential wall constituting the connection part 3 e defines a communication channel which communicates with the introduction space 3 d. The connection part 3 e is provided on the front end surface with an engaging part 3 e 1 which protrudes inwards from the inner surface of the circumferential wall, narrowing the communication channel.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the right support part 6 includes a right base 6 a, a pair of right engaging pieces 6 b, and a right connector 6 c. The right base 6 a extends rearwards in an arc form (see FIG. 1). The right support part 6 is made of a harder material than the wall section 2, but a rear end portion of the right base 6 a has flexibility with which the rear end portion coincides with the shape of the wall section to which the right support part is attached. The pair of right engaging pieces 6 b extends upwards and downwards from the front end surface of the right base 6 a. The respective right engaging piece 6 b is provided with a right through-hole 6 b 1. The right connector 6 c is provided with a pair of right plate portions 6 c 1 which extends leftwards from the front end surface of the right base 6 a. The pair of right plate portions 6 c 1 is connected by a right rod portion 6 c 2 which extends vertically. The respective right plate portion 6 c 1 is provided with a right through-hole 6 c 3.

The left support part 7 includes a left base 7 a, a pair of left engaging pieces 7 b, and a left connector 7 c. The left base 7 a extends rearwards in an arc form. The left support part 7 is made of a harder material than the wall section 2, but a rear end portion of the left base 7 a has flexibility with which the rear end portion coincides with the shape of the wall section to which the left support part is attached. The pair of left engaging pieces 7 b extends upwards and downwards from the front end surface of the left base 7 a. The respective left engaging piece 7 b is provided with a left through-hole 7 b 1. The left connector 7 c is provided with a pair of left plate portions 7 c 1 which extends leftwards from the front end surface of the left base 7 a. The pair of left plate portions 7 c 1 is connected by a left rod portion 7 c 2 which extends vertically. The respective left plate portion 7 c 1 is provided with a left through-hole 7 c 3.

The right support part 6 is mounted in such a manner that the pair of right engaging pieces 6 b is disposed on the rear side of the right slit 2 c 1 of the wall section 2. Here, the respective right engaging protrusions 2 d 1 are inserted through the right corresponding through-holes 6 b 1 so as to hold the right support part 6 on the wall section 2. The left support part 7 is mounted in such a manner that the pair of left engaging pieces 7 b is disposed on the rear side of the left slit 2 c 2 of the wall section 2. Here, the respective left engaging protrusions 2 d 2 are inserted through the left corresponding through-holes 7 b 1 so as to hold the left support part 7 on the wall section 2.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing an appearance of the communication section 4 when obliquely viewed from the left rear side thereof. The communication section 4 has a connection part 4 a which extends forwards and rearwards from the mask 1. The connection part 4 a defines a communication channel therein. The connection part 4 a is provided on the outer surface thereof with a plurality of protrusions 4 a 1, which are arranged in the front-to-rear direction of the mask 1.

A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connection part 4 a of the communication section 4 and the connection part 3 e of the expired gas introduction section 3 are coupled together, and the communication channel defined by the connection part 4 a and the communication channel defined by the connection part 3 e communicate with each other. Specifically, the connection parts 4 a and 3 e are coupled such that the outer surface of the connection part 4 a faces against the inner surface of the connection part 3 e. Here, the protrusion 4 a 1 formed on the outer surface of the connection part 4 a is engaged with the engaging part 3 e 1 formed on the front end surface of the connection part 3 e, so that the connection part 3 e is positioned with respect to the connection part 4 a.

The connection part 3 e of the expired gas introduction part 3 is composed of a flexible material, and is coupled with the connection part 4 a of the communication section 4 in such a manner that the connection part 3 e is slidable in the forward-rearward direction of the mask 1. As described above, since the connection part 4 a is provided on the outer surface thereof with the plurality of protrusions 4 a 1 in the forward-rearward direction of the mask 1, the position of the connection part 3 e with respect to the connection part 4 a is changeable by selecting the protrusion 4 a 1 to be engaged with the engaging part 3 e 1 of the connection part 3 e. That is, the arrangement of the expired gas introduction section 3 with respect to the communication section 4 is changeable in the forward-rearward direction in the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2.

According to this configuration, the initial position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is changeable depending upon the facial shape of subject to which the mask is attached. For example, the expired gas introduction section is movable into a position at which the expired gas introduction section does not contact with the subject's nose or into a position at which the expired gas is more surely introduced. Accordingly, the expired gas is surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the communication section 4 also has right and left connection parts 4 b and 4 c.

The right connection part 4 b is provided on the rear side thereof with a plurality of right grooves 4 b 1 which extends vertically. The right grooves 4 b 1 are arranged in the left-right direction of the mask 1. The right connection part 4 b is provided on upper and lower sides thereof with right protrusions 4 b 2 in a pair (the upper-side right protrusion 4 b 2 is only shown).

The left connection part 4 c is provided on the rear side thereof with a plurality of left grooves 4 c 1 which extends vertically. The left grooves 4 c 1 are arranged in the left-right direction of the mask 1. The left connection part 4 c is provided on upper and lower sides thereof with left protrusions 4 c 2 in a pair (the upper-side left protrusion 4 c 2 is only shown).

As shown in FIG. 4B, the right connection part 4 b is held between the pair of right plate portions 6 c 1 of the right connector 6 c by fitting the pair of right protrusions 4 b 2 of the right connection part 4 b of the communication section 4 into the pair of right through-holes 6 c 3 of the right connector 6 c of the right support part 6. Here, the right rod 6 c 2 of the right connector 6 c is engaged with one of the right grooves 4 b 1.

Similarly, the left connection part 4 c is held between the pair of left plate portions 7 c 1 of the left connector 7 c by fitting the pair of left protrusions 4 c 2 of the left connection part 4 c of the communication section 4 into the pair of left through-holes 7 c 3 of the left connector 7 c of the left support part 7. Here, the left rod 7 c 2 of the left connector 7 c is engaged with one of the left grooves 4 c 1.

Accordingly, the communication section 4 is interposed between the right and left support parts 6 and 7 and is supported by the wall section 2. Here, the right connection part 4 b is able to rotate about the pair of right protrusions 4 b 2. Similarly, the left connection part 4 c is able to rotate about the pair of left protrusions 4 c 2.

When the right and left support parts 6 and 7 are pressed from the left and right sides, the wall section 2 is deformed such that the width in the left-right direction is narrowed due to the flexibility of the right and left bases 6 a and 7 a. Thereby, the right and left connectors 6 c and 7 c is moved opposite in the left-right direction of the mask 1, so that the engagement between the right rod 6 c 2 and the right groove 4 b 1 of the right connector 4 b and the engagement between the left rod 7 c 2 and the left groove 4 c 1 of the left connector 4 c are released. The right rod 6 c 2 comes to be engageable with another right groove 4 b 1. The left rod 7 c 2 comes to be engageable with another left groove 4 c 1.

With the right and left rods 6 c 2 and 7 c 2 respectively opposed to other right and left grooves 4 b 1 and 4 c 1, when the right and left support parts 6 and 7 are press-released, the wall section 2 elastically returns to its original shape and the right and left connectors 6 c and 7 c are moved outwards in the left-eight direction of the mask 1, so that the right and left rods 6 c 2 and 7 c 2 are engaged with the above-mentioned right and left grooves 4 b 1 and 4 c 1. Thereby, the right and left connection parts 4 b and 4 c respectively rotate about the right and left protrusions 4 b 2 and 4 c 2, so that the relative position between the communication section 4 and the wall section 2 changes. Thus, the arrangement of the expired gas introduction section 4 coupled with the communication section 4 with respect to the wall section 2 is changed in the forward-rearward direction in the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2.

As set forth from the foregoing, the right and left connectors 6 c and 7 c of the right and left support parts 6 and 7, and the right and left connection parts 4 b and 4 c of the communication section 4 constitute an adjusting mechanism 8 which adjusts the position of the communication section 4 supported by the wall section 2.

According to this configuration, the initial position of the expired gas introduction section 3 in the internal space 2 b is changeable depending upon the facial shape of subject to which the mask 1 is attached. For example, the expired gas is introduced into the position at which the expired gas introduction section 3 cannot contact the subject's nose or into which the expired gas can be more surely introduced. Accordingly, the expired gas is surely introduced into the expired gas concentration detection sensor regardless of subject's facial shapes.

Particularly, since the position at which the communication section 4 is supported by the wall section 2 with the elastic deformation of the wall section 2 is adjustable in the adjusting mechanism 8, a complicated structure is not required. Accordingly, the expired gas is surely introduced into the expired gas concentration sensor regardless of the difference in the subject's facial shapes, without excessively increasing the cost.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the communication section 4 is further provided with a sensor support 4 d. The sensor support 4 d has a middle part 4 d 1, a right part 4 d 2, and a left part 4 d 3. The middle part 4 d 1 is provided in front of the connection part 4 a. The right part 4 d 2 extends rightwards from the middle part 4 d 1. The left part 4 d 3 extends leftwards from the front side of the connection part 4 a.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing an appearance of the lower portion of the communication section 4 when viewed from the right front side thereof. The middle part 4 d 1 defines a detection space which communicates with the communication channel defined by the connection part 4 a. Thus, the detection space forms a portion of the communication channel. The right side of the middle part 4 d 1 is provided with a right light-transparent window 4 d 4. The left side of the middle part 4 d 2 is provided with a left light-transparent window 4 d 5. The right part 4 d 2 defines a right holding space 4 d 6 which opens downwards. The right window 4 d 4 is disposed in the right holding space 4 d 6. The left part 4 d 3 defines a left holding space 4 d 7 which opens downwards. The left window 4 d 5 is disposed in the left holding space 4 d 7. The middle part 4 d 1 is provided on the lower surface thereof with a pair of engaging pieces 4 d 8.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing an appearance of a sensor 9 which is mounted to the sensor support 4 d. As an expired gas concentration detection sensor, the sensor 9 is provided with a housing 9 a. The housing 9 a has a first to third parts 9 a 1, 9 a 2, and 9 a 3. The first and second parts 9 a 1 and 9 a 2 are connected by the third part 9 a 3, thereby defining a recessed part 9 a 4.

The sensor 9 is provided with a light-emitting device 9 b and a light-receiving device 9 c. The light-emitting device 9 b is accommodated in the first part 9 a 1 of the housing 9 a. The light-receiving device 9 c is accommodated in the second part 9 a 2 of the housing 9 a. The light-emitting device 9 b and the light-receiving device 9 c are opposed each other from the recessed part 9 a 4. A cord 9 d is connected to the sensor 9. The cord 9 d includes a signal line which transmits a drive signal for a light-emitting device 9 b and a light-detection signal by the light-receiving device 9 c to a display which is not shown.

A description will be made of the sensor 9 being mounted to the communication section 4, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an appearance of the mask 1 in which the sensor 9 is mounted to the sensor support 4 d. The sensor 9 is mounted such that the middle part 4 d 1 of the sensor support 4 d is fitted into the recessed part 9 a 4. An engaging protrusion 4 d 8 formed on the middle part 4 d 1 is engaged with the third part 9 a 3 of the housing 9 a. Accordingly, the first part 9 a 1 of the housing 9 a is held in the right holding space 4 d 6 defined by the right part 4 d 2. The second part 9 a 2 of the housing 9 a is held in the left holding space 4 d 7 defined by the left part 4 d 3. Here, the light-emitting device 9 b is opposed to the right window 4 d 4, and the light-receiving device 9 c is opposed to the left window 4 d 5. That is, the sensor support 4 d supports the sensor 9 such that light emitted from the light-emitting device 9 b passes across a portion of the communication channel.

Light emitted from the light-emitting device 9 b enters the detection space defined in the middle part 4 d 1 via the right window 4 d 4. Into the detection space, the expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section 3 is introduced via the communication channel defined by the connection part 4 a of the communication section 4. Light passing through the detection space reaches the light-receiving device 9 c via the left window 4 d 5. Light emitted from the light-emitting device 9 b has a wavelength capable of absorbing carbon dioxide as an example of the expired gas. Since the intensity of light which reaches the light-receiving device 9 c varies depending upon the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the subject's expired gas, the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the expired gas is detected by monitoring the intensity of light.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the communication section 4 is further provided with a vent part 4 e. The vent part 4 e is provided in front of the middle part 4 d 1, and defines an internal space which communicates with the detection space defined by the middle part 4 d 1. Accordingly, the internal space forms a portion of the communication channel. A front end surface of the vent part 4 e forms a closed wall 4 e 1. That is, the front end of the communication channel, which extends in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction of light emitted from the light-emitting device 9 b, is closed.

The vent part 4 e is provided with a vent hole 4 e 2 on the front right side. As shown in FIG. 6, the vent part 4 e is also provided with the same vent hole 4 e 2 on the front left side. The respective vent hole 4 e 2 allows the outside of the wall section 2 and the communication channel to communicate with each other. The expired gas introduced into the communication section 4 through the expired gas introduction section 3 is discharged out through the respective vent holes 4 e 2. That is, the respective vent holes 4 e 2 allow the communication channel and the outside of the wall section 2 to communicate with each other.

Since the vent hole 4 e 2 is arranged at a position that strays out of the detection space (a portion of the communication channel) across which light emitted from the light-emitting device 4 b passes, the introduction of external air into the detection space which is accompanied by the ventilation is prevented. This prevents an inverse affection of the introduction of external air on the detection of the expired gas concentration in the detection space. Further, the expired gas is quickly discharged via the vent holes 4 e 2. Accordingly, along with the above-mentioned function of regulating the position of the expired gas introduction section 3, there is provided a function of precisely detecting the concentration of the subject's expired gas.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mask 1 is further provided with an oxygen-supply section 10 and a cord-holding section 11. The oxygen-supply section 10 is disposed at a front side of the right support parts. The cord-holding section 11 is disposed at a frond side of the left support parts.

The oxygen-supply section 10 holds an end of an oxygen-supply tube 12. The oxygen-supply tube 12 may be integrally formed with the oxygen-supply section 12, or otherwise may be detachably attached to the oxygen-supply section 10. Although not shown in the drawings, the inside of the oxygen-supply section 10 communicates with the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2. Oxygen supplied from the outside through the oxygen-supply tube 12 is provided through the internal space 2 b in response to the subject's inspiration.

Here, the right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b scatter oxygen to be injected into the internal space 2 b from the oxygen-supply section 10. Thereby, the concentration of oxygen in the internal space 2 b is homogenized. Further, oxygen to be injected into the internal space 2 b from the oxygen-supply section 10 does not directly contact the subject's face, thereby preventing the skin from becoming dry.

The cord-holding section 11 detachably holds a cord 9 d which is connected to the sensor 9. FIG. 6 shows the cord 6 d being held by the cord-holding section 11. Further, the oxygen-supply section 10 and the cord-holding section 11 are arranged symmetrically in the left-right direction of the mask 1, with the sensor support 4 d of the communication section 4 interposed therebetween.

According to this configuration, the oxygen-supply tube 12 and the cord 9 d is drawn symmetrically in the left-right direction of the mask 1, so it is possible to stabilize the posture of the mask 1 with respect to the subject's face. Accordingly, along with the above-mentioned function of regulating the position of the expired gas introduction section 3, there is provided both the function of precisely detecting the concentration of the subject's expired gas and the function of stably supplying oxygen to the subject.

The above-mentioned embodiments are merely provided for illustrative purposes, but not limitative purposes. It is apparent that the presently disclosed subject matter may be changed/modified without departing from the spirit of the presently disclosed subject matter, and that the equivalents of the presently disclosed subject matter are included in the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

When the mask 1 includes at least one of the flexibility of the right and left bridge parts 5 a and 5 b, the slidability of the connection part 3 e of the expired gas introduction section 3 with respect to the connection part 4 a of the communication section 4, and the adjusting mechanism 8, the position of the expired gas introduction section 3 in the internal space 2 b of the wall section 2 is variable.

In the case where the adjusting mechanism 9 is omitted, the communication section 4 may not essentially be supported by the wall section 2. For example, the communication section may be supported by the expired gas introduction section 3, for example.

The configuration of the sensor support 4 d of the communication section 4 may be properly changed depending upon the specification of the sensor 9. For example, the sensor 9 in the former embodiment includes the housing 9 a in which an accommodation part for the light-emitting device 9 b and an accommodation part for the light-receiving device 9 c are integrally formed. However, the accommodation part for the light-emitting device 9 b and the accommodation part for the light-receiving device 9 c may be separately formed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mask configured to be attached to a face of a subject comprising: a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject; an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduce expired gas of the subject; and a communication section that defines a communication channel through which the expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor, wherein the position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is variable.
 2. The mask according to claim 1 further comprising a bridge part that connects the wall section and the expired gas introduction section, wherein the bridge part is stretchable.
 3. The mask according to claim 2, wherein the bridge part includes a corrugated part.
 4. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the communication section and the expired gas introduction section are coupled so as to be relatively movable with respect to each other.
 5. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the expired gas introduction section is supported by the communication section, wherein the mask further comprises an adjusting mechanism that adjusts a supporting position at which the communication section is supported by the wall section.
 6. The mask according to claim 5, wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a mechanism that adjusts the supporting position by elastic deformation of the wall section.
 7. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the expired gas introduction section includes a partition part which defines a first opening part opening against the subject's face when the subject wears the mask, and a second opening part opening upwards.
 8. The mask according to claim 1 further comprising a sensor support that supports an expired gas concentration detection sensor which includes a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device so that light emitted from the light-emitting device passes across a light-passing portion of the communication channel, wherein the sensor support has a vent hole by which the outside of the wall section communicate with the communication channel, and wherein the vent hole is formed on the sensor support so as not to overlap with the light-passing portion of the communication channel in a passing direction of the light-passing portion.
 9. The mask according to claim 8 further comprising: an oxygen-supply section that communicates with the internal space and holds one end of an oxygen-supply tube; and a holding section that detachably holds a signal line connected to the expired gas concentration detection sensor, wherein the oxygen-supply section and the holding section are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sensor support which is interposed between the oxygen-supply section and the holding section.
 10. A mask configured to be attached to a face of a subject comprising: a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject; an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduces expired gas of the subject; and a communication section that defines a communication channel through which the expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor, wherein the expired gas introduction section includes a partition part which defines a first opening part opening against the subject's face when the subject wears the mask, and a second opening part opening upwards. 